Verizon Wireless officially announced the Kyocera Brigadier Android smartphone. Brigadier will be available in ALL Verizon Wireless sales channels, including online (already available) as well as in Verizon Wireless stores, at big-box retail and via the Verizon Wireless business/enterprise channel (all on August 7). The phone will sell for $99.99 (on contract) after a $50 mail-in rebate. The Brigadier is Kyocera's second waterproof smartphone for Verizon Wireless, joining the Hydro Elite which launched online-only in August 2013. Here's more info:

The Kyocera Brigadier features a nearly-scratchproof touchscreen called Sapphire Shield. This offers protection from daily threats such as keys, coins and dirt as well as unexpected extreme threats like sand, gravel, rocks and steel. It's also been shown in lab testing to survive a face-first fall onto rocks better than impact-resistant glass.

Along with Sapphire Shield, there are a few other notable features that really make Brigadier stand out against other mid-range Android smartphones. Among these are various MilSpec 810G ratings (shock/drops, vibration, extreme temperature, blowing rain, etc.), IP68 certification for protection from dust and full immersion in up to 6 feet of water for up to 30 minutes, Glove & Wet Touchscreen Operation Technology, a Dura Grid widget for easy access to essential apps and loud dual-front speakers. Brigadier is also XLTE ready for super-fast data speeds on Verizon Wireless.